Association of temporomandibular joint sounds with malocclusion

Temporomandibularjoint disorder is a multi-factorial condition affecting the joint or muscles of the jaw. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to determine association oftemporomandibular joint [TMJ] sounds with various categories ofmalocclusions. 384 subjects, who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of the study, were clinically examined for the presence or absence of temporomandibular joint sounds and type ofmalocclusion. A Chi-Square test [p < 0.05] was used to find any significant association of TMJ sounds with different categories ofmalocclusion. Joint sounds were found to be present in 100 [26%] subjects. Joint sound were present in 55 [22.6%] subjects with Class I malocclusion, 36 [32%] subjects with Class II malocclusion and only 9 [31%] subjects with Class III malocclusion. Chi- Square test revealed no significant association of TMJ sounds with malocclusion or gender. TMJ sounds can be a frequent finding in healthy individuals with no other symptoms ofTMD. In the light of results of current study and other recent studies that have been carried out around the globe, it can be concluded that clicking itself is not indication of any active disease and it can rarely progress to any significant clinical problem, so there needless management must be avoided

Prevalence of dental anomalies among orthodontic patients

Dental anomalies are clinically evident abnormalities which can cause various dental problems, which may complicate orthodontic treatment planning. Clinical and radiological inspection play crucial role in identification of various anomalies. This study was carried over the period of 2 years to determine the pattern and distribution of various morphological dental anomalies among orthodontic patients. Demographic details along with detailed medical, dental and family histories were obtained from every patient. In addition to the intraoral examination, study casts and dental panoramic radiograph were also evaluated for dental anomalies causing disturbance in number, size, form, and location of teeth. Patients with syndromes were not included in the study. Out of 520 patients, dental anomalies were present in 83 [16%] patients. Hypodontia was the most prevalent dental anomaly occurring in 37 [7.1%] patients and maxillary lateral incisor was found to be the most commonly missing tooth. Microdontia was second most prevalent dental anomaly observed in 21 [4%] patients with the maxillary lateral incisor being the most commonly affected tooth. Double tooth was rare finding present only in 1 [0.19%] patient. All dental anomalies showed higher prevalence in female patients except for double tooth and transposition which were more prevalent in male patients. . Dental anomalies can lead to disturbance in occlusion. Orthodontists have the responsibility to observe each patient carefully for various dental anomalies and have full knowledge of them as it can help them in planning treatment for these patients and executing them without any complications